Plan C

Hi All, I've been turned down for surgery (laproscopic roux-en-y by the Barix Group because they don't have the facilities to monitor me appropriately pre- and post-op and by the University of Michigan Bariatric Centre because I live too far away for their insuance coverage). So I'm turning to Plan C, paying for it myself because OHIP won't cover the procedure in Quebec. I won't get into the politics of this or I'd have my own discussion board. Anyway, I'm looking for people who have had the Christou experience, recommendations, complaints, everything you've got, just let me know. And, if anyone knows the total cost of the procedure (I can't seem to find a straight answer on the site), let me know also. Thanks and take care.

Hello, There are other surgeons in the Montreal area besides Christou. He will charge about $18k but I recommend you speak to my surgeon: Dr. Henri Atlas on rue Grenet in Montreal. Good luck! http://chirurgiebariatrique.com/

Thank you Josee-France, I'll look into your suggestion. Take care, Mary-Anne

I Live in montreal and am having the Christou experience. I will have surgery may 6th. He ise a great man and all his group too especially Mary. 150$ for the regestery 100$ for the first visit 4000$ two weeks after the first visit(certified cheque) when they have the money they set u up for meeting with diffetrent specialist(Psy,kinest.nut,blood specialist)all in the same day They will give you tne stuff for the liquide diet Optifast pre-op for 2 weeks. 14 500$ certified cheque 2 weeks b4 the surgery If you want more info feel free. Brigitte

Hello Mary Ann I have just come back with my first consult with Dr. Christou. He was wonderful and also his whole team. Brigitte detailed the specifics in terms of money. I have private insurance so I can claim some of the expenses like the psy, nutritionalist, kinesiologists, etc. , semi private room in the hospital etc. The rest can be deducted in your taxes if you need to go more than 250km from your home to receive specialized services. That gives you something else! I am going to get all I can LOL. Mary, Dr. Christou's assistant needs to give you a breakdown in the amounts. She is relunctant but will do it if you insist. I insisted! She was good about it. As for Josée surgeon, he seems to do only gastric sleeve. It is an option. I think Josée had mentionned to me that the wait time wasn't too long. I do not know their costs however for OHIP patients. I am not sure her doc does it by laproscopy? Joséé if you read this maybe you can correct me if I am wrong. I don't think Québec hospitals can take OHIP patients. Check into it. YOu may not have a choice but to go private with Dr. Christou as he is the only one who has special permission with the Gouv't (as he is a researcher and politically connected) to operate in a private clinic. We (quebec citizens) have to sign a contract not to request reimbursement from the RAMQ if we go the private route. The reason why OHIP will not cover you in Québec is on our governement side. OUr waiting list was too long and Ont. patients were taking alot of space sort of speak on our wait times so the Québec gou't put a stop on the influx coming in. Sorry, it is political. With Dr. Christou, the private route goes very quickly. I started the procedure in February and a month later had a consult. Surgery date is May 13th. When you come from out of town they schedule all your preops and psy, nutri, kines, etc. appointments the same day! Long day with lot's of info but everyone was very nice and respectful. Day started at 8:00am and finished at 18:30am. Bring along an extra small suitcase for the Optifast if you are flying in as you need it. They give you your two week supply that same day. Also there is parking at both the Royal Victoria hospital and behind the PsychSoma building on Green Avenue if you have a car. Ask away any other question if you need it. Good luck! I think that's all.... If you can go the hospital route, let me know as there are a number of surgeons in the province that do the surgery and I can give you some places to check them out. brenda b

Hello, Dr. Atlas does the lap band, vertical sleeve and RNY. He does it both with the Medicare and private practice. He is excellent and I really like the follow up he gives me. As for the RNY, my friend had hers done with him on Dec.17 2007 and she is doing well. The wait list is a lot shorter than Christou because is the most public figure in this industry. Hope this helps.

Hi, I talked to Doctor Christou's office. The cost is $17,500.00 or $18,500.00 sorry not absolutely positve but it is one of the two. There is also a consultation fee of $250.00 for your first appointment. Hope this helps. Good Luck, Donna